Santa's Workshop

About Santa's Workshop

Santa's Workshop is an American short film directed by Wilfred Jackson, produced by Walt Disney, and released on December 10, 1932, by United Artists. The film portrays a day in the life of Santa Claus, who, with the help of his elves, prepares for Christmas by making toys and checking his list twice. The cartoon is filled with elaborate, technologically advanced operations showing how Santa's high-tech operation keeps him abreast of which child has been good or bad, and the various exotic contraptions under elf management to make toys.

Making / Production

Production of Santa's Workshop began in early 1932, under the supervision of Walt Disney and direction by Wilfred Jackson. The film's innovative production processes included the use of the multiplane camera, which added depth to the animation, and the synchronization of sound and animation, a technique pioneered by Disney.

Actors

• Allan Watson voiced Santa Claus, infusing the character with a hearty cheerfulness that remains memorable.
• Pinto Colvig, who prestigiously voiced characters for Disney such as Goofy and Pluto, had roles as numerous elves, each with their unique quirks.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is one of the earliest Disney shorts to use a multiplane camera, which adds depth to two-dimensional artwork.
• The film was entered in the Short Subject (Cartoon) category at the 5th Academy Awards, held in 1933.
• Santa's Workshop was followed by a sequel in 1933 titled The Night Before Christmas, which depicts Santa delivering the toys he made.

Quotes

• "Let's see now...were you a good boy this year?" - Santa
• "Double check!" - Elf, referring to checking the naughty and nice list twice.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film is highlighted by a medley of well-known Christmas carols in the background, setting the festive atmosphere.
• Artistic touches, such as the use of silhouetted elves dancing in time to the music, reflect the synchronization of music and animation which Disney was known for.